Evaluation of anti ulcer activity of ethanolic root extract of Beta vulgaris in rats

Abstract

Background: Beta vulgaris (chenopodiacea) is a plant reported for its variety of ethnic medicinal uses. Hence we have planned to screen anti ulcer activity of root of the plant with the alcoholic extract. Root powders successively extracted with alcohol and were subjected for phytochemical screening to identify different phytoconstituents.Methods: Anti ulcer activity was evaluated in various animal models like pylorus ligation and ethanol induced ulcer models in rats.Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, saponins, polyphenols. No mortality was observed with root extract up to maximum dose level of 4g/kg. Further alcoholic extract of 200 and 400mg/ kg / p.o significantly (p˂0.01) reduced the ulcer score, ulcer number, ulcer index, free acidity and total acidity in pylorus ligation and ethanol induced ulcer models in rats.Conclusions: The present study revealed that the root extract of Beta vulgaris has antiulcer activity.